There’s a lot going on throughout Commemoration Day 2024, so we recommend getting to campus early and planning ahead to make sure you don’t miss out.  

The South Kensington Campus will be very busy and arriving as early as possible is the best way to make sure that you have enough time to check-in on the day, collect your gown, visit photography and be seated in the Royal Albert Hall before your ceremony begins.

To ensure that all graduands have an opportunity to check-in and collect their academic dress in time for their ceremony, you will be allocated a time slot to arrive on the day. You do not need to notify the Graduation Events team if you are unable to make your allotted time, but you will need to ensure that you arrive before the end of the registration window for your ceremony.

For all the important information you need for the day view the graduation guide.

When you arrive...

Check-in

On arrival graduands will need to check-in, and collect their envelope in the Junior Common Room, Sherfield Building, South Kensington Campus.

If you have not visited the South Kensington Campus before, we recommend, planning your journey ahead!

Collect your gown

After registering on the day, you can collect your pre-ordered academic dress from the Senior Common Room, Sherfield Building, South Kensington Campus.

Ede & Ravenscroft will also have staff on hand to assist you with putting on your gown and hood.

Visit photography

Professional photography will be offered on the day by Tempest Photography in the Skempton Building, and the Smith Centre, both accessed from Imperial College Road. Graduands can visit with their friends and family, before or after the ceremony in the Royal Albert Hall.

There is no need to pre-book but please ensure you leave enough time to take your seats in the Hall for your ceremony.

Your graduation...

Arrive for your ceremony

Doors to the Royal Albert Hall open 45 minutes before your ceremony and we recommend you are seated at least 30 minutes before it begins. The doors of the Hall will close 15 minutes before the ceremony starts.

The Royal Albert Hall reserves the right to search bags brought into the Hall. You should be prepared for your bags to be checked and you should avoid bringing large bags or items of luggage.

Make sure you have purchased your guest tickets in advance!

Departmental Receptions

Graduands who have registered themselves and purchased guest passes can celebrate with their guests, and catch-up with departmental colleagues and academics, before their ceremonies.

The receptions take place at various location across the South Kensington campus and last approximately 90 minutes.

For more information please click here.

The backs of graduates as they walk on campus in their gowns

Return your gown

Before you leave campus for the day, please ensure that you have returned your hired academic dress.

You should return your gown by 22.00 on the evening of your graduation. Gown return can be found in the City and Guilds Building, by the University Main Entrance, along with the Stage Photography order point.

Graduation ceremony venue

Royal Albert Hall
Imperial's graduation ceremonies all take place in the historic venue

Do you need a visa?

If you or your guests need a visa to travel to the UK for graduation, the Graduation Team can issue a letter of support. You can request this during the registration process. Please ensure that you have passport numbers and dates of birth for all attendees. 

Please allow 72 hours to receive your letter via email.